Carlisle V Brentford at Brunton Park : Match Preview

28 February 2014 12:31

Carlisle striker Nacho Novo is hoping to make his first start for the club in the home game against Brentford.

The Spaniard, who recently signed a short-term deal until the end of the season, stepped off the bench for his first appearance with 11 minutes remaining in last week's home defeat to Rotherham.

Midfielders James Berrett (hamstring) and Paul Thirlwell (calf), plus defender Conor Townsend (foot) are not expected to play any part, but on-loan Manchester United teenager Sam Byrne is pushing for his first start.

Left-back Chris Chantler is also hoping to be involved. He was an unused substitute last week and has been restricted to five appearances this season due to an ankle injury.

Sam Saunders remains Brentford's only absentee.

The five-goal winger has been out since mid-January with a knee injury and faces another month on the sidelines after undergoing minor surgery to fix the problem.

Boss Mark Warburton has an otherwise fully-fit squad and is unlikely to make too many changes despite the Bees slipping to their first defeat in 20 matches against promotion rivals Wolves last weekend.

Defender James Tarkowski is still waiting to make his debut following his January switch from Oldham.